Mission District Japanese restaurant Izakaya Yuzuki has had a successful first six months at what had been called a “hard-luck” site across from Tartine Bakery. Now, owner Yuko Hayashi is subtly making a few additions to enhance diner’s experiences.

Yoshihiro Sako has moved from Corkage Sake and Wine Shop in the Nopa/Western Addition neighborhood and is now working behind the bar at the restaurant, offering up a wider range of sakes.

Sako, a well-known sake sommelier, also runs one of the more popular sake classes in the City, teaching both beginners and novices or customizing his classes for those more experienced in the sake drinking experience.

On Saturday, May 26, Izakaya Yuzuki will be hosting its first sake class, led by Sako. The event is an hour-long class that will include five sakes to taste, along with a bit of the history behind the brewing process for each brand and bottle.

Hayashi said that there are plans for future sake classes as well at the restaurant and also some sake-pairing dinners in the future so stay tuned.

Izakaya Yuzuki is located at 598 Guerrero Street. The class begins at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 26. Email Yoshihiro at [email protected] for reservations. Cost is $35.